Lima, Paracas & Ica: Private tour with Ballestas Islands + hotel

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.75 (16 reviews)

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/10

Duration3d

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

From Lima’s catacombs to Paracas’ sea lions—three days that surprised me

You’ll wander Lima’s historic streets and catacombs, cruise out to see sea lions at Ballestas Islands, race across Huacachina’s dunes by buggy, and taste pisco at an old hacienda—all with a local guide handling every detail. This private tour from Lima includes hotels and transfers so you can just focus on what you’re feeling in each moment—a mix of surprise, laughter, maybe even awe—that stays with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lima City Tour

Arrival and hotel transfer
Visit San Francisco church and catacombs
Explore main square and changing of the guard
Pass literature house and chocolate museum
Visit solar hill, tomb of unknown soldier, Christ of the Pacific
Return to hotel

Day 2 — Ballestas Islands and Ica

Travel from hotel to Bay of Paracas
Boat tour to Ballestas Islands
Photo time at Bay of Paracas
Travel to Huacachina oasis in Ica
Buggy ride and sandboarding
Lunch by the lagoon
Walk and photos at Huacachina lagoon
Pisco route tour and tasting at hacienda
Transfer to hotel in Ica

Day 3 — Return to Lima

Hotel pickup and transfer to Lima airport
End of service

The Experience

“Wait, did you say catacombs?” That was my first reaction when our guide in Lima grinned and led us down into the cool, echoey tunnels beneath San Francisco church. The air smelled faintly of old stone and something sweetish—maybe candle wax? I kept close to the group (not ashamed to admit it). Above ground, we wandered past the main square just as the guards changed shifts—so formal but people still snuck photos. Our guide pointed out a tiny chocolate shop near the literature house; I bought a piece and it melted almost instantly in my hand. The city felt busy but somehow gentle at that hour.

The next morning started way before sunrise—4:30 am is not my best time, but watching the sky turn pink over Paracas Bay made up for it. We boarded these little boats (sliders, they called them) out to the Ballestas Islands. Sea lions barked so loud you could feel it in your chest, and there were birds everywhere—honestly, I’d never seen so many at once. The salt air stung my nose a bit. Back on land, we took silly photos by the water before heading off toward Ica. The drive was long (650 km total for this day trip from Lima to Paracas and Ica), but our driver played old Peruvian songs and told us about his favorite pisco brand—he swore by it.

I didn’t expect to love Huacachina as much as I did. It’s this tiny oasis ringed by sand dunes that look fake until you’re actually there. We crammed into buggies for sandboarding—my board spun out twice and everyone laughed (including me). Lunch was right by the lagoon; I tried ceviche that was way spicier than I thought possible. Later we visited an old pisco hacienda where they let us taste everything—my Spanish got worse with each sip but nobody seemed to mind. Our guide teased me about my pronunciation (“You sound like my cousin from Lima!”) which I’m pretty sure wasn’t a compliment.

The ride back felt quieter somehow—I watched the desert roll by through dusty windows while thinking about those sea lions and how small Huacachina looked from above the dunes. There’s something about seeing so many sides of Peru in just three days that sticks with you—you know?

What’s included

Your experience includes regulated transportation throughout all routes between Lima, Paracas, and Ica.
two nights’ hotel accommodation (one in Lima, one in Huacachina).
guided visits with a local expert.
breakfast at both hotels.
all entry fees.
airport-hotel-airport transfers.
plus wine and pisco tastings along Peru’s historic pisco route before returning to Lima.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Rap Travel Peru